Special Bulletin

Revision: F

SP18-13F
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

03.2018

03.2019

6

1(11)

Changed wording in steps 7&8

2019-01-23

DRAG LINK REPLACEMENT
Prevost vehicles
DESCRIPTION
On the vehicles affected by this bulletin, proceed to the replacement of the drag link.

MODEL YEAR(S) AND VEHICLES INVOLVED
NOTICE TO SERVICE CENTERS
Verify vehicle eligibility by checking warranty bulletin status with SAP or via ONLINE WARRANTY
SYSTEM available on Service / Warranty tab of Prevost website.
VIN

Model
X3-45 coaches
Model Year : 2008 - 2010
X3-45 coaches
Model Year : 2011 - 2014

From 2PCG334908C729426 up to 2PCG33499AC729866 incl.

From 2PCG33491BC735050 up to 2PCG33495EC735525 incl.

Early model year(s):

2PCH33491X1012855
2PCH33491X1012861
2PCH33490Y1013772

H3-45 coaches

2PCH33495Y1013802

Model Year : 1999, 2000, 2005

2PCH33497Y1013820

Late model year(s):

2PCH3349351010232

This bulletin does not necessarily apply to all the above-mentioned vehicles, some vehicles may have been modified
before delivery.

Writer:

EL

Special Bulletin

SP18-13F
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

03.2018

03.2019

6

2(11)

MATERIAL NEEDED
Order the following kit:161458
Part No.

Description

Qty

660699

DRAG LINK ASSEMBLY

1

502104

COTTER PIN 5/32X2

2

IS-13009

INSTRUCTION SHEET

1

FI-13009

FEUILLE D'INSTRUCTIONS

1

PART NO 660699

NOTE
Material can be obtained through regular channels.

PROCEDURE

DANGER
Park vehicle safely, apply parking brake, stop engine. Prior to working on the vehicle, set the ignition
switch to the OFF position and trip the main circuit breakers equipped with a trip button. On Commuter
type vehicles, set the battery master switch (master cut-out) to the OFF position.

Writer:

EL

Special Bulletin

SP18-13F
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

03.2018

03.2019

6

3(11)

PRECAUTIONS

PINCH HAZARD
Keep hands and fingers clear of pinch zones around
pitman arm.
Pinch zones are between pitman arm and clamp, and
between front of pitman arm and vehicle structure.

REMOVAL OF EXISTING DRAG LINK
1. Raise the vehicle by the wheels using mobile column lifts. Doing so will prevent a change in
direction of the knuckles and preserve the relative positions of the steering components involved in
this procedure.
2. Remove cotter pin and nut from drag link ball joint stud at pitman arm.
3. Disconnect drag link from pitman arm, using jaw style pullers (pressure screw type).

4. Remove cotter pin and nut from drag link ball joint stud at the steering arm (near knuckle) and then
disconnect the drag link.

Writer:

EL

Special Bulletin

SP18-13F
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

03.2018

03.2019

6

4(11)

ADJUSTING THE DRAG LINK TO PROPER LENGTH - ELBOW BALL JOINT (KNUCKLE SIDE)
5. Check if the pre-adjusted length of the drag link is correct. To do so, try to install it between the
steering arm and the pitman arm. If the length is not adequate, it must be adjusted to the required
length. Use dimension “A” to adjust the length of the replacement drag link or you may use the
replaced drag link for length reference.

FIGURE 1

X3 series
length A = 52” 3/8”± 1/16” (1330mm ± 2mm)
H3 series early model years (see MODEL YEAR(S) AND VEHICLES INVOLVED table)
length A = 52” 3/8”± 1/16” (1330mm ± 2mm)
H3 series late model years (see MODEL YEAR(S) AND VEHICLES INVOLVED table)
length A = 53” 3/8”± 1/16” (1356mm ± 2mm)
6. Screw the drag link elbow ball joint (knuckle side) fully
in drag link tube.

FIGURE 2

Writer:

EL

Special Bulletin

SP18-13F
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

03.2018

03.2019

6

5(11)

X3 AND EARLY MODEL YEARS H3 ONLY
7. Screw out the drag link elbow ball joint by (not more
than 1 turn) so the tapered shank points down as
shown on FIGURE 3.
This will be the initial / reference position for next step.

FIGURE 3

X3 AND EARLY MODEL YEARS H3 ONLY
8. Next, unscrew the drag link elbow ball joint back out
one (1) full turn from the initial / reference position.
The tapered shank must point down as shown on FIGURE 4.

1 full turn

FIGURE 4

Writer:

EL

Special Bulletin

SP18-13F
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

03.2018

03.2019

6

6(11)

LATE MODEL YEARS H3 ONLY
The limits of the adjustment sleeve do not provide enough
extension.
9. Unscrew the drag link elbow ball joint out 1 inch. The
tapered shank must points down as shown on FIGURE
1.
FIGURE 5

10. To prevent interference between the ball joint clamp
bolts and other components of the steering system,
the clamp bolt must be positioned vertically as shown
on FIGURE 6. Tighten the clamp nut to 118-133 lbfft.

CAUTION
Do not re-use clamp
hardware.
Bolt and nut should be
replaced every time they are